Book of Memories for Jon Payne Zachadnyk

Condolence From Karen Wemmelmann

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 21:00:14 EDT

Many memories of the summer working at Zacks on the Rocks - 1984? My purple dress, the food - I still prepare chicken livers with apples and onions, the dining room, Gussies... It was an experience not to forget. Was sad to hear of his passing

Condolence From Holly Rogers

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 08:19:40 EDT

My husband longed for a quiet Christmas away, so I surprised him with a stay in Zach’s cottage. We fell in love with Zach who shared an eggnog with “brandy” (cognac) with us upon our arrival after the long drive. It became an annual stay. He was so kind hearted, the purple robe and crown, massive front door, twinkling lights glowing just under the snow, menus on paper bags with burnt edges in Zach’s indecipherable handwriting, cowbell to announce dinner, and a magnificent dining room (Clos Maggiore esque). The food was exotic, served in many courses. Zach created an amazing unforgettable overall experience for diners. We named our son Zachary Montgomery out of love for this unique and charming soul.

Condolence From Charlene

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 20:38:38 EDT

I came across this today and I feel so sad. My first dining experience was at the Zach's. I was a grown woman who had never had the money to go out to dine. When I finally saved up enough money, my husband who had come back from bootcamp, and I decided to go there. Wow, what a showman, what food! I had never and will never experience anything like it. May you rest in peace and thank you.

Condolence From Michael R.

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:56:28 EDT

Zack’s On the Rocks is the most fun and genuine dining experience I have ever had. Back in the day we drove all the way from Montreal just to dine there. It was always worth the trip. Thought of him today, and I found this web page. It made me sad.

Condolence From Martin Fioretti

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EDT

My wife and I honeymooned at Zack's cabin and returned many times. After our initial stay, Zack treated us like "family" and we will always remember him.

Condolence From Kara Campbell

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:19:01 EST

Our memories will live on forever.

Condolence From Tom & Kelly Lawyer

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:32:20 EDT

... to be where little purple cars ... climb halfway to the stars ... we left our hearts ... in Monkey Center

Condolence From Dave Ionata

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:26:32 EST

I was very sorry to hear of Zach's passing. I have many very fond, and indelibly etched, memories of dining and staying at Zach's over several years. I'll miss him greeting us at the door in his caftan, and ringing the cowbell when we're "on". Rest in peace, Zach. You were a good man, and truly one-of-a-kind.

Condolence From Zach's Great Niece, Lisa (Lefebvre) Marks

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:47:05 EST

This Thanksgiving will mark our 1st family holiday without the Patriarch of our family, Zach. He wanted us to call him Uncle Jonny. With heavy hearts, full of sadness, it helps us to know how many people's lives Zach touched! Thank you so much to John at the funeral home for putting all of this together and conducting the funeral. A few of us couldn't attend since we live far, in California. Thank you to all who wrote their condolences or lit a memorial candle for our Uncle. I am printing all of these out to share with my parents, Leo & Mary Lefebvre, my Aunt Frances Lulu, my brother Steven Lefebvre, his children and mine. This way we can have happy memories of our Uncle as we leave a place for him at our Thanksgiving table tomorrow. God bless! ~Lisa (Lefebvre)Marks

Condolence From Scott and Patti Sparks

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:59:35 EDT

Thank you Zach for so many great memories over so many years. We loved renting your cabin 30+ years ago when we first were dating and so many times after. Laughing with you and Gussie over cocktails, wearing funny hats (and your regal crown and robe), talking food and restaurant culture, chocolate bread with chocolate butter, mushrooms Monkey Center, purple goddess dressing, Christmastime dining in the incredibly decorated dining room, the player piano, the paper bag menu, the cow bell, your greeting upon entering, big smooches and hugs, and many good times with family and friends. We will forever remember you. Thank you for creating the world you did and for the joy and laughter you gave to so many. ~ Scott & Patti Sparks, Guilford, Vermont

Condolence From Tom & Kelly Lawyer

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:20:48 EDT

Well Jon - we know that as this writing --- somewhere, you're still performing in your most grandiose "prima donna" fashion. We wanted to come back to Burlington and put on another night club vignette with you. Of course we would do a reprise of "Vermont Vermont" (sung to the tune of "New York New York"). So --- we'll re-book for the next life ! If any readers remember us from the 80's performing at "Zack's" and would like to keep in touch: angelme1@ymail.com Much love from Tom & Kelly Lawyer in Atlanta

Condolence From Chuck & Dawn Manion, Charlotte NC

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 08:19:02 EDT

Zack will always have a special place in our hearts. 25 years ago we spent our honeymoon at 'Fore the Rocks; and made it back a few more times over the next 10 years. Zack was always an amazing host and I credit our dining experiences there for my ending up in culinary school and us opening our own restaurant in NC. Anyone can learn to cook, but the kind of hospitality and attention to detail that was found "on the rocks" comes from a special place in the heart, and Zack had that like none other. You have been and will continue to be missed...

Condolence From Barbara Proborowski Gloria

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:41:17 EDT

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Zack. I have known him since I was about 10 years old, over 45 years ago. He was a good friend of my Dad, Stanley Proborowski, and we vacationed in Montgomery in the fall. My Mom Olga and I recently reminisced about those dinners at Zack's On The Rocks with the purple decor. Zack would treat us like royalty. For my brothers, sister, and I, the food seemed a little exotic. Yet, it was at Zack's that I tried frog's legs for the first time! Zack and Dad would have a ball reminiscing and we often would not leave the restaurant until very late at night. My sincere condolences to Zack's family. Heaven is indeed a little brighter now.--Barbara Gloria, Johnston, Rhode Island

Condolence From sondra lucas

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:05:28 EDT

I can't tell you how sad we are to hear about Zack. We were just in Burlington in Sept. and talked about him and wondered if he was in florida because we so wanted to see him. We have been to his restaurant so many times and have such wonderful memories. We stayed there , met him for breakfast downtown montgomery center, came to his house for drinks . We knew Gussie before she moved to florida. Anyway, we loved Zack . One of a kind and so special. I made him a ornament for his tree with his purple caftan . He will be missed and We are blessed to have known him. Sondra

Condolence From Joe DiBella

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:19:20 EDT

We were only there twice in our lives. Once in 1994 and then again in 2001 after 911 redirected our Mexican vacation to Vermont. I couldn't tell you what I had to eat but can say the experience was incredible. Zack made us feel like we were at home and I will always be indebted to my friends the Secors for introducing us to a piece of history never to be seen again anywhere. Joe DiBella, Manasquan NJ

Condolence From Luanne Freer

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:50:12 EDT

Rest in peace, Zach - I'm sure you and Dad are sitting around a piano up there somewhere enjoying something on the rocks. You were one of a kind and will be missed.

Condolence From Sally & David Tryhorne

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:53:33 EDT

We are fortunate to consider ourselves friends of Zack's. We go back to the early 60's when he was building On the Rocks and working in my (future) mother in law's restaurant. He was a terror in the kitchen with the flour flying! My most memorable occassion at Zack's was when David presented me with my engagement ring between courses. When we were ready to leave to head back to UVM, Zack made us PROMISE to stop in to tell my folks! Nervous as we were, we stopped to show off my ring. It was a wonderful happy experience for all of us! We are still happily hitched after all these years and thank Zack for getting us off on the right foot! Heaven has gained one great soul!

Condolence From Linda Eppley

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:53:31 EDT

My sympathy on your loss, Zack was a special person to many of us. My husband and I first met him shortly after both of us moved to the area and we had cocktails in what would later become Before the Rocks. An evening at Zack's became the occasion to celebrate graduations, marriages and farewells. He made every occasion special.

Condolence From Patti

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:25:19 EDT

How fortunate I was to get to know Zach. We spent an all too brief time pulling weeds from the garden paths, drinking gin and tonics. The coversations were a gift. Thank you and God Bless You Zach. Patti

Condolence From Sarah Anderson

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:24:50 EDT

Eccentric and warmhearted, Zach was a wonderful friend to our family. And he sure knew how to through a dinner party! You are greatly missed! ~ Sarah Anderson

Condolence From Kathy Anderson

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:24:17 EDT

Zack was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He gave my daughter her first job tending his beautiful garden one summer. He called her "my little flower girl"l A great loss to Montgomery." Kathy Anderson

Condolence From Mike Farney

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:23:37 EDT

Forty odd years ago Zack commissioned me to take a junky old cemetary fence and reconstruct it into an artistic railing around his sunken atrium and up a wide cascading staircase. Under Zack's watchful eye the project took a whole summer of part time work. Upon finishing I gave Zack the bill, to which he said I can't pay you now. You'll have to wait a bit if you can. Over the next year and a half, I would get unexpected pleasant suprises or a single crisp $50.00 or $100.00 bill in the mail. No note, only a folded small paper with a smile moniker on it, until it was fully paid. Zack, thank you for the lessons in perseverance, art, trust and integrity. Mike Farney

Condolence From Marjorie Freer

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:22:13 EDT

Zack was one of a kind and provides some of my best memories of our time in Vermont. All the special occasions included dinner at "On the Rocks". He even came home early from Fl. to do our daughter's rehearsal dinner. It was a never to be forgotten night by many who had never had the experience of Zack before. Zack has many friends waiting to share more time with him. RIP ~ MARJORIE FREER, ISSAQUAH, Washington

Condolence From Wendy Besett

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:21:08 EDT

A visit to "Zack's" cemented a friendship with another couple which still holds today. RIP Zack...in purple ~ Wendy Besett, Hardwick, Vermont

Condolence From Jeff Towsley

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:20:33 EDT

Zack's was part of so many special occasions for us in the 1990's. We want to thank him for bringing his wonderfulness to Vermont ~ Jeff Towsley, Jeffersonville, Vermont

Condolence From Betsy Preston

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:20:00 EDT

Another good person "has gone ahead" ... What joy he brought to many ... Be at peace, my friend ... you've worked hard for your rest. ~ Betsy Preston, Burlington, Vermont

Condolence From Grant Weier

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:18:31 EDT

Dinner at Zack's-on-the-Rocks was always a special occasion. In the nearly 30 years I dined there, I got to know Zack and always left with more experiences to share with friends and colleagues throughout my travels. Zack was a good host and chef who'll be missed by many. Grant Weier Fletcher, VT

Condolence From .

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:17:44 EDT

Zack was a great guy....gave me my 1st job when we moved here 35 yrs ago....I started as a waitress and then became the chef while he spent much of the winter in Florida..unique and sometimes challenging to work with but always fun and dedicated to his mission of good food and fun times....my best to the family and I will smile up at him in heaven

Condolence From Melinda Swearingen

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:16:39 EDT

I believe my sense of community in Montgomery Center was created by knowing Zach and watching how he motivated people to work together to build events and memories that drew us all together. But he always seemed to me to be somehow bigger than ordinary...in his events, in his restaurant, and in all that he did, and yes, in his wearing of a crown! He will be missed greatly. Much love to his family and friends with my best wishes for many happy memories to treasure. I post purple scarves on my house on Main Street in Zach's memory. ~ Melinda Swearingen, Montgomery Center, Vermont

Condolence From Allan Kalsmith

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:16:02 EDT

A dear friend who my wife and I shared great times as guests in each others restaurants , houses , social events and even as his employee at the very end of OnThe Rocks in the town that he made famous. I am saddened by his departure but will never forget the man in purple Allan Kalsmith Montgomery, VT.

Condolence From L. H.

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:15:14 EDT

Unfortunately, at 20 years old, I never had the pleasure of dining at Zack's, but I will always remember riding in the car through Hazen's Notch and seeing boulders painted purple! ~ L H, Enosburg, Vermont

Condolence From Andrew Smith

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:14:28 EDT

A true Vermont legend. He will be missed! ~ Andrew Smith, Burlington, Vermont

Condolence From Carroll Peters

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:13:41 EDT

Zack was truely a legend & will be in heaven teaching all what great food is; a truely unique person from the burnt paper bag menus, ahh the chocolate butter, to the undescribable main course & fantasia deserts - - not to discount the personal chit chat & entertainment all the while enjoying the "meal" (evening). Feel special to have know this person; thoughts, prayers & love to all. Carroll Peters ~ Carroll Peters, Hyde Park, Vermont

Photo shared: Jim, Mike, Amy, Hillary at Zack's fall 98

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:27:43 EDT

Condolence From Mary Jane McMahon

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:00:54 EDT

I knew Zach only through professional encounters but with him it was easy to get really know his persona and aura. We went on a family expedition to Monkey Center specifically to Zach's to see what all the fuss was about. We had on our holiday finery and my mom had on her sequins. It was the middle of the week so I think Zach thought it would be a quiet night...But when he saw her he decided that he would not be outdone in his own place. He returned in all of his regalia to entertain us the rest of the night. It was incredibly memorable right down to the purple butter and chocolate!!!!

Condolence From Glen Bartolomeo

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:23:06 EDT

I will always cherish the years I knew Zach ..and the enormous business he sent to us, Michael and Glen, during the years we owned Phineas Swann B&B , without which, in the beginning, we would never have made it...We were great friends us three. He sure knew how to liven up a party as well..Our guests were always directed to On the Rocks for an incredible dining experience...Michael also worked there briefly, for an incredible working experience! We also knew his sensitive side and the generosity of his heart. I will miss Zach greatly and remember him fondly. ~ Glen Bartolomeo, Lincoln, Vermont

Condolence From Iris Tawse

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:21:46 EDT

We used to go enjoy his present at the resturant all the time with the Elliotts and Murphy's..we loved him.....tours of the kitchen at midnight was always a treat Chaz Steinberg and my husband John Tawse, and also Toddy Murphy will always be remembered as great evenihg with Zach...God Bless....Iris Tawse

Condolence From Don McGowan

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:20:29 EDT

One hopes that Zack in the glorious beyond is serving Mushrooms Monkey Center. He was a true original sadly missed. We send our condolences to Zack's family. Don and Rosemary McGowan Brockville, Ontario ~ Don McGowan, Brockville, Ontario

Condolence From Greg Premo Jr.

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:16:58 EDT

Sometimes the big lights go out and many are affected, and sometimes the smaller lights go out but the effect is more profound and personal. Zack and "Zack's On The Rocks" was an very important part of our family when I was growing up and beyond. Anniversaries, family gatherings at Christmas time, or just what the heck, it was always special. Hope you were greeted with a cold G&T! RIP Zack. http://www.scenesofvermont.com/zacks/ ~ Greg Premo Jr., Underhill, Vermont

Condolence From John Kimel

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:15:29 EDT

The man was a legend. Simply a legend. Those of us who knew him, and were lucky enough to dine at his unique restaurant, have experienced something that will never again be repeated. Rest in peace, my friend, knowing you will always be remembered. ~ John Kimel, South Burlington, Vermont

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Condolence From C.W. O'Shea

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:09:11 EDT

to truly appreciate the delightful madness that was zack you had to get him out of monkey center. and working with him that summer at the tyler place was zack at his absolute finest, a whirling dervish who, by either dancing, cooking, or simply being himself, brought a new life into that old inn that it had never witnessed.

Condolence From A. W. Rich Funeral Home

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:34:43 EDT

The entire staff of A. W. Rich Funeral Home wishes to express our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.